Developer Mark Congel stands at the entrance to his latest project, the conversion of a 111-year-old former washing machine factory in Syracuse's lakefront area into a 62-unit apartment building named Destiny Arms. (Rick Moriarty | rmoriarty@syracuse.com)

At the Global Universal Design Commission (GUDC) we talk a lot about Universal Design, but for many the term can be confusing. In general, UD refers to a design practice aimed at creating something everyone can use equally. It applies to web design, education and much more, but in this case, we’re talking about built environments. This means planning ahead to create a space that all people, regardless of ability, can access AND fully participate in.

The NIDILRR-funded Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center on Universal Design and the Built Environment recently debuted Innovative Solutions for Universal Design (isUDtm), a collection of evidence-based solutions for creating inclusive and healthy environments.

UD refers to a design practice aimed at creating something everyone can use equally. It applies to web design, education and much more but in this case, we’re talking about built environments. That means planning ahead to create a space that all people, regardless of ability, can access AND fully participate in.

"I think of universal design as a philosophy," Ms. Harbour says. "There isn’t a list of things you have to do. You just need to think about what’s really essential in your course — and then the rest is all up for discussion."